On a balmy summer’s evening typical of the 2025 season, Mallards took on Stamfordham for the first of two fixtures this year. Captain Latif, clearly having honed his skills under the Buckley Regime, won the toss and bowled first.
In what might be described as a moment of madness, though perhaps it was an attempt at mind games, or maybe just a good old fashioned ‘senior moment’, Tony Cleaver opted to bowl from the other end. The world can only stand so much upheaval at the moment and just five balls into his spell, Tony was promptly rewarded with a season ending torn calf muscle. In the words of Edmund Blackadder, ‘God is very quick these days’
It all fell apart a bit after that. Stamfordham had brought a strong batting line up; both openers were in good nick and promptly retired. Respite came as Holland drew the error, with Cox settling under a steepling catch at long on. 58/1.
Despite the spinners contributing with regular wickets, Guna with 9/2 and Latif (L) 19/2 the pick, runs continued to come steadily and Stam ended on 154/5.
Ajay, who has been in spectacular form this year, started the chase with some serious intent, but when he went for 22 off just 10 balls, and with Latif (L) and Guna falling cheaply, Butcher and Cox had a bit of rebuilding to do.
Keeping up with the run-rate was not easy thanks to some tight bowling and sharp fielding, but both managed to pick up the odd boundary to keep things moving. Both fell to some good bowling, Park nailed a four first ball then was out trying to repeat, but it was Latif (K) and Albert, on debut, that provided the sparkle at the back end of the innings.
Their 30-odd run partnership in the late overs both entertained and added respectability to what could have been a humbling defeat. However as always an enjoyable encounter on a beautiful evening, but marred by the injury to Tony, who we’ve been assured is making a steady recovery and already mentally marking out his run-up. From the correct end this time!